river.

You will perceive that my intentions are to effect, by your means,
objects _which would otherwise require an expedition_, and therefore
the utmost prudence and circumspection are necessary. Next to the
liberation of Parà, the great object is to secure the frigate. If you
succeed in obtaining possession of her, and find yourself deficient
in men, you are at liberty to leave the brig for the purpose of
manning the frigate. I expect everything from your exertions and good
management in bringing about the surrender of Parà, with all that is
important to His Brazilian Majesty.

To return to the state of affairs at Maranham. One of the first acts of
the new Junta--despite their professed admiration of the course I had
pursued--was to transmit to me a demand that the property taken from
the Portuguese should be placed _at their disposal._ My surprise at such
a request from men whom I had unexpectedly released from thraldom, and
elevated to power, ceased as I became better acquainted with the
factions existing amongst them. Now that they were invested with power,
they were evidently bent on turning it to their own private advantage,
by representing to me that if I retained the property of Portuguese in
Maranham--that of Brazilians in Lisbon, viz. _their own mercantile
consignments_--would be confiscated in retaliation, and that, therefore,
I ought to restore it!

To this I replied, that the captures made by the flagship were strictly
in accordance with the decrees of His Imperial Majesty, no less than
with the rights of belligerents as defined by the laws of nations; so
that their request was directly opposed to the Imperial decrees against
all the subjects of Portugal, as well as against all who should